Feral chickens ruffle feathers as Snettisham villagers vote to rehome them

A flock of feral chickens have ruffled the feathers of some villagers in Snettisham.

Villagers were invited to attend Tuesday’s annual parish assembly to gauge opinion on the matter.

Ahead of the meeting, the council said on its website it was not planning to evict or remove the birds explaining: “We are seeking specialist advice from various sources, only one of which is Fresh Start for Hens.

“We have sought advice from this particular rescue charity as they are experts in the needs; behaviour; health and welfare of chickens.

“We have also invited villagers to come along to a meeting, to discuss the issue with the chickens, so we may gauge public opinion.

“Only after we have all the information, will the parish council decide if it needs to make any kind of decision, if at all.”

At the council meeting, the majority were in favour of rehoming and reducing the number of chickens with the help of Fresh Start for Hens.

There have been complaints that the chickens are causing a noise disturbance and are frequently digging up gardens on Common Road.

While the 100 chickens, which have come from a nearby wood, have upset some residents others feel they are part of village life and should remain.

In comments on the Snettisham Parish Council Facebook page, Carol Wood said: “I can’t get to the meeting but I would like the chickens to stay, please ask the [parish council to] put a sign up saying ‘only feed seed no waste food’.

“They have been here for years.”

The minutes from the April meeting of the parish council state: “It was noted that members of the public throw all sorts of food down for the chickens.

“This is causing a rodent problem which is potentially a health hazard.”